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Jerusalem: An Archaeological Mystery Story

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Review

by James Gill

Archaeology is politics in the Middle East. The precarious balance of Muslim, Jewish and Christian holy sites in the ancient heart of Jerusalem is informed as much by what’s below ground as what’s above. Which is why evidence revealed here, suggesting that the Jewish exile from Jerusalem in AD 70 may never have actually happened, has such severe ramifications for relations in the region.

Film-maker Ilan Ziv explores the archaeological challenges to the traditional narrative of the Jewish Diaspora, long buried in the sands of Galilee and beneath the streets of Jerusalem, and asks what this means for both Israelis and Palestinians today.

Summary

Documentary by Ilan Ziv looking at new evidence which suggests the majority of Jewish people may not have been exiled after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Travelling from Galilee, Israel, to the catacombs of Rome, he discovers whether the event that has played a central role in Christian and Jewish theology for nearly 2000 years really happened, raising ethical questions about its impact on modern Middle Eastern issues.

Cast & Crew

DirectorIlan Ziv

Documentary

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